Does Insurance Cover LASIK?

For many individuals who have been wearing glasses or contact lenses for years, LASIK surgery provides a permanent solution to their vision problems. LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea, improving vision by altering how light enters the eye. It is an extremely common and safe procedure, with millions of people around the world having undergone LASIK surgery with great success. However, there is one question that arises for many individuals considering LASIK surgery: does insurance cover LASIK?

The Short Answer:

Typically, insurance companies do not cover LASIK surgery. LASIK is considered an elective procedure, meaning that it is not medically necessary for an individual to undergo. Insurance companies generally only cover medical procedures that are deemed necessary for an individual’s health and wellbeing. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, which we will explore in more detail below.

Why Doesn’t Insurance Cover LASIK?

The reason why insurance companies do not cover LASIK surgery is because it is an elective procedure. Unlike a medical procedure that is necessary for an individual’s health and wellbeing, LASIK is not required to maintain an individual’s quality of life. While improved vision can certainly make a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, it is not considered to be medically necessary in the same way that a procedure like an appendectomy or a hip replacement might be.

It’s worth noting that, despite the fact that insurance companies do not typically cover LASIK, the cost of the procedure has decreased significantly over the years. In fact, the cost of LASIK surgery has decreased by as much as 25% over the past several years, making it more accessible and affordable for individuals who are interested in the procedure.

When Will Insurance Cover LASIK?

While insurance companies do not typically cover LASIK surgery, there are some situations in which an individual may be able to get their procedure covered by their insurance provider. These situations include:

If LASIK is deemed medically necessary:

While LASIK is not typically considered medically necessary, there are some situations in which it may be the best course of action for an individual’s health. For example, if an individual is unable to wear contact lenses or glasses due to a medical condition, LASIK may be considered medically necessary. In this case, an individual’s insurance company may cover the cost of the procedure.

If an individual has vision insurance:

While health insurance typically does not cover LASIK surgery, vision insurance may provide coverage for the procedure. Some vision insurance plans include coverage for LASIK or other refractive surgeries, so it’s worth checking with your insurance company to see whether or not you have coverage.

If an individual has a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA):

While insurance companies may not cover the cost of LASIK surgery, an individual’s HSA or FSA account may be able to. Both HSAs and FSAs allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for medical expenses, including elective procedures like LASIK.

FAQ:

Conclusion:

In summary, insurance companies typically do not cover LASIK surgery, as it is considered to be an elective procedure. While there are some situations in which an individual may be able to get their LASIK procedure covered by their insurance provider, these situations are relatively rare. Despite this, many individuals still choose to undergo LASIK surgery every year, as it provides a permanent solution to their vision problems and can be a life-changing procedure.